APSU Sports Information

Hutchinson, KS – Marco Iten sank a birdie putt from approximately 10 feet to conclude his last round with an even-par 70 in the 2014 NCAA Championship, played at Prairie Hills Country Club.

Austin Peay Mens Golf’s Marco Iten. (APSU Sports Information)

It was fitting that Iten’s last putt was a birdie. It capped a near unprecedented season, especially in the Kirk Kayden 10-year era as head coach. He finished the tournament at 4-over 214.

“Obviously It was a good feeling,” Iten said. “I stood at the (No. 1) tee box and said to myself ‘this is it.’ I knew I was going to go for the stick even though it was on the back right. I got lucky with it and then was able to pour it in. It was a good end to it (career).”

It capped a tournament that was equally frustrating as it was captivating for Iten. After struggling with his work off the tee and his iron play in the first round, Iten never could find the magic with his irons. But it was his short game, with some jaw-dropping chips and wedges along with a steady putting hand that rescued the Niederglatt, Switzerland from near disaster at times.

“Marco hit a lot of great tee shots and made some terrific up and downs this week,” said Kayden, “He made his share of 6-to-10 foot par putts. As he would tell you his irons were a little bit off.

“It was a difficult golf course with its narrow fairways and long grass bordering it along with its tiered greens. You had to be correct side of the green for par. There was just not a lot of room for error.”

For Monday’s round that started Tuesday (lightning interrupted Sunday’s second round), Iten had a pair of bogeys and two birdies. He had his only three putts of the tournament—they mowed the greens after completing Sunday’s initial round and it affected his read. He easily could have been under par for the round, despite his iron woes.

Between the struggling iron play and the constant interruption with weather, Iten never could get into a flow that was so apparent late this season. He came close Monday to putting it together.

“The last round I had it going a little bit better,” Iten said. “Even this morning, I picked up where I left off. I had some weird shots with my irons—some bad misses that should not have happened. But my scoring was good and then I picked up a couple of birdies.

“It was a try for a bid at a comeback.”

Iten leaves Austin Peay having played in every available career event—47 total—and the first do so for Kayden. In addition to earning All-OVC three times and being Ohio Valley Conference Golfer of the Year in 2014, he earned medalist honors five times—four times this spring.

“I don’t think it has set in yet (that my career is over),” Iten said. “It has been a lot of fun. I am sure a few months down the road and for sure in a few years I am going to miss it.